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CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
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GET £30 OFF WHEN YOU SPEND £100
CLAIM YOUR VOUCHER
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
CLAIM YOUR VOUCHER
GET £30 OFF WHEN YOU SPEND £100
CLAIM YOUR VOUCHER
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
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GET £30 OFF WHEN YOU SPEND £100
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Contraceptive Coilin Central London

Contraceptive Coil

Contraceptive coils are becoming increasingly popular among women, largely due to the fact that it is a reliable birth-control option. The benefits are long-acting and reversible meaning women can simply have the coil inserted and once it’s in, you don’t have to think about it until it needs replacing. This is a particularly good option for women who know that they are unlikely to remember to take the pill everyday and for those who suffer with side effects of other contraceptives. A stress-free alternative to the daily contraceptive pill.

Coils are T-shaped plastic devices which are inserted and remain in your uterus for between 3 and 10 years, depending on the type of coil. There are two different types of coil, both highly effective (99%) but which work in different ways and have different side effects.

What types of coil are there and how do they work?

There are two types of contraceptive coil available to women.

The IUD (intrauterine device), commonly known as the ‘Copper’ coil, as it is made from copper. It acts by releasing copper into the uterus which alters the cervical mucus, preventing the sperm from reaching the egg and surviving. It can also prevent a fertilised egg from being able to implant itself into the womb.

The other is an IUS (intrauterine system), commonly known as the ‘Mirena’ coil, which locally releases the hormone progesterone into your womb. This causes the mucus around mucus to thicken around the neck of the womb, preventing sperm being able to pass through and fertilise the egg.

We can also fit Kyleena and Jaydess coils, which have lower doses of progesterone. Our clinician will advise if these options are more suitable for you.

Coils can fall out with a heavy period, one in 10 over 5 years, so it is important to check the strings after every period.

What are the advantages of the coil?

Both types of coils are highly effective, up to 99% and are unaffected by other medications.

Once removed it is possible for you to become pregnant and you can safely use them when breastfeeding. Another benefit is that there is no evidence that they can affect your weight or increase your risk of gynaecological cancers.

Copper Coil lasts for up to 10 years before it needs to be replaced and works immediately. There’s no hormonal side effects.

Mirena coil lasts up to 8 years before it needs to be replaced. Periods can become lighter, shorter and less painful or even stop completely- very beneficial for those with endometriosis. It is also a good option if you can’t take estrogen.

Kyleena coil lasts for 5 years before it needs to be replaced. It can make periods lighter or stop them entirely for some. It is smaller in size compared to the mirena coil, with a lower dose of progesterone. Your healthcare provider will confirm if this option is suitable for you.

Jaydess coil lasts for up to 3 years before it needs to be replaced. It contains a lower dose of progesterone – your healthcare provider will confirm if this option is suitable for you.

All are great options for pregnancy prevention, and eliminate the responsibility of taking a daily pill.

That’s:

3,652 daily pills over 10 years vs. 1 x Copper Coil

Or:

2,922 daily pills over 8 years vs. 1 x Mirena Coil

Does it hurt having the coil inserted?

Some discomfort is expected during a IUD or IUS insertion.

The discomfort is short-lived as the procedure is not very long. People have different pain thresholds so it is important to communicate with your doctor if the pain gets too much. You can ask to stop at any time. Most patients are happy with the mild discomfort in return for a stress-free birth control option.

Can you have the coil fitted on your period?

Yes, the optimal days to fit a coil is between day 1-3 of your menstrual cycle, with day 1 being the first day of your period.

Between this time, the fit is easier and more comfortable for the patient. However, it is possible to fit during days 1 – 7 of your menstrual cycle if that works out more convenient for you.

How do I tell if my coil is still in place?

It is unlikely that your coil will come out.

However, coils can fall out with a heavy period, one in 10 over 5 years, so it is important to check the strings after every period.

Both IUD and IUS have 2 thin threads that hang down from your womb at the top of your vagina. Your healthcare provider will be able to teach you how to feel for these threads to check the positions of your IUD or IUS.

It’s important to check as if your coil has come out, you will not be protected against pregnancy.

What are the disadvantages of the coil?

The insertion of the coil can be relatively uncomfortable and painful and cause some bleeding afterwards.

There is a small risk of getting an infection after insertion which could lead to a pelvic infection. Also the coil can be rejected from the body and expelled from your womb, or being displaced

Copper Coil: Periods can become longer, heavier and more painful, although it may improve after a few months.

Mirena coil: Periods can become irregular or even stop completely. There may be changes to your mood and a decreased libido. Some women also experience headaches, acne and breast tenderness.

Our Patients Speak for Us

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Daz Smith

Excellent service and support throughout my appointment process. Dr Griffiths was very supportive.

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Nicola Mulgrew

We went to the clinic to get travel vaccines. We were on an incredibly tight schedule, only in London for the one day, and we were seen with no issues. Later, I ordered anti-malarials by email and received them the next day! Amazing service. Highly recommend.

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Ziad Elmagdoub

Had a great experience at Fleet Street Clinic. I went in for my occupational health clearance and everything was smooth from start to finish. The staff were friendly and professional and the whole process was really straightforward. A special thank you to Chiara from the nursing team who handled my tests. She was not only kind and reassuring but also incredibly professional and easy to talk to. She made what could have been a stressful visit feel completely relaxed.

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Jenny Gibson

We booked, we arrived and we had our vaccines. Everything as expected. What really stood out was the level of medical advice from the nurse giving us our injections. It was explained very clearly to us to the level of protection our vaccine would give. As this was a new vaccine the results of medical trials were also highlighted. There was no push to sell more products, just clear advice on what to avoid and what to do to prepare for our trip to the Far East.

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Tess Kokkinou

I visit twice a week to see Andrew Doody at Fleet Street clinic for my back, he has a great bedside manner, he listens and understands when you tell him about your pain. The staff at reception are amazing too very friendly.

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Chris Starling

Always an excellent service whether on personal or business matter. The team go out of their way to be helpful and accommodate needs and treat each matter with importance whilst taking a pragmatic and responsive approach to situations to put patients first.

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Tara Goulet

The entire staff at Fleet Street were incredibly kind, empathic, and knowledgeable. I appreciated the professionalism and bedside manner, and highly recommend this clinic if you need fast, efficient service, are traveling, and don't have insurance.

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Mr Mark Coffer

Dr Cave always delivers a compelling and thorough medical examination whilst retaining a good sense of humour and a reassuring manner. You could do no better than the Fleet Street Clinic for your MOT.

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Iain Guest

I received a first dose of the QDenga vaccine recently from Nurse Becky Arrell at the Fleet Street Clinic. She was quick, efficient, friendly and very knowledgeable. The QDenga is not yet available in the US, where I live, and I'm heading off to South Asia feeling reassured. I highly recommend the Clinic to anyone traveling to far-off lands!

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Mark A

My wife and I have attended the Fleet Street Clinic for many years now and found Dr Belinda Griffiths and her team exemplary in all departments. On the back of this I have recommended the clinic to all my family members and Senior Management team.

'She was extremely friendly and helpful'

Recently attended for a coil removal, I choose to go private as could book an appointment very quickly and would have to wait 6weeks+ for an appointment on the NHS.

I was seen by Dr Griffiths if I recall her name correctly, she was extremely friendly and helpful and ensured made sure I was as comfortable as I could be the entire step of the way. Great service and fully considering booking a well woman appointment in the future.

– Lizzie Ayton

FAQs

The contraceptive coil is effective immediately and as soon as it is fitted it will provide protection against pregnancy.

You should expect some mild discomfort.

It is widely known that the NHS are experiencing unprecedented delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The wait time is considerably longer in the NHS at the moment, which is proving a problem for those who’s coil needs replacing. Each type of coil is only suitable for a number of years, after which require removing and replacing. It is dangerous to keep your coil in longer than is recommended.

It is not uncommon for a woman to experience cramping or discomfort for a couple of days after an insertion. Over the counter paracetamol/ ibuprofen is advised to alleviate the mild discomfort. Localised heat pads may also stop any cramping. If you have any concerns you should immediately contact your doctor to discuss.

Weight gain can be a side effect of coils due to the hormonal changes although it is most likely down to water retention rather than an increase in body fat. Some women experience this side effect whilst many others do not.